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Bonamici Plan to Create Aviation Consumer Advocate Signed into Law

WASHINGTON, DC [10/9/18] – The Federal Aviation Administration will create the new position of Aviation Consumer Advocate thanks to a provision led by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR).

An amendment to create the Advocate position was offered by Bonamici and included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which was signed into law Friday to update and modernize the FAA. The Advocate will be a dedicated person at the FAA who resolves consumer problems that arise with airlines, enhancing the FAA’s existing Aviation Consumer Protection Division.

“When people travel by air, they often experience lost luggage, delays, or other complications that are entirely out of their control,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “This new Aviation Consumer Advocate will make sure that all airline passengers have someone on their side to help tackle problems they face while flying. The Advocate will help consumers navigate the system, resolve difficulties, and alleviate some of the stress that comes with unexpected complications.”

In addition to responding to consumer problems, the Advocate will provide the FAA with recommendations about how to best protect consumers and improve the flying experience. The Aviation Consumer Advocate will also evaluate the FAA’s response to complaints, provide a report to Congress about the volume and frequency of complaints, and recommend how Congress can take action to bolster consumer protections for fliers.